Richard W. Kelly has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for the 40 th Annual parade in honor of St. Patrick sponsored by the Dennis Collins Division #1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

A member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for over twenty years, Rick is also one of the founding members nineteen years ago of the Newport Irish Heritage Association. He has been president of the Association since 1994. He is an active member of St. Augustin’s Church in Newport. In addition Rick produces and hosts the Irish Hour every Saturday on local station WADK 1540 AM and Irish music show be created seven years ago.

Rick is married to the former Joan Dwyer. They live in Newport with their three sons Tim, Chris and Eamon.

After graduating from DeLaSalle Academy in 1964, Rick went to Providence College where he majored in English Education. After college Rick spent two years in the Army, serving with the 199 th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam. He has worked as a teacher for the Middletown School System since 1970. He received a Masters of Education from Rhode Island College in 1976. For the last ten years, Rick has been the Grade Leader for Grade 7 at the Gaudet Middle School in Middletown.